Monday, May 4, 2009

Here We Go! Welcome!

Bicycles are transformative objects. They have helped liberate women at the end of the 19th century, provided affordable transportation for millions of people around the world for the last 150 years and opened vistas of exploration and fun for generations of children. Currently, great efforts are being made to provide bicycles for AIDS workers in Africa, tsunami survivors in Asia and underprivileged children in the U.S.

Those are big changes- a bicycle ambulance in Zimbabwe can be the difference between life and death. But bicycles can bring small changes to any life lived, anywhere in the world. Riding a bike makes us aware of the weather, demands that we pay attention to all our senses, requires co-operation with others on the road, challenges our understanding of our bodies and pushes our self imposed physical limits.

This blog is about these changes and how even small shifts in perspective that can come from bicycle riding can lead to big changes in how we see the world, how we live in it. Changes in our impact on the earth, or even just noticing how nice it is to have the wind in your hair. Sometimes, all it takes to have you change your career or go back to school or meet your neighbor for the first time, is a good bike ride!We look forward to sharing our stories, and even more, to hearing yours! Please, please, please send us your bike of change and life stories! Why do you ride? Where has riding taken you? How do you tackle the challenges of where you live to keep riding? Did you meet your spouse on a bike? Did you use one to get away after sneaking out of the house at night? Share your adventure with the rest of us.

This is so great - Adrienne and meli together! How did I miss the entire first week of this new blog?? Adrienne, I'm so glad you now have a bike blog to call "home". I love reading your comments and guest posts all around the bike blog world and can't wait to see what you have in store for us here.

Having loved reading your individual blogs from the otherside of the atlantic, it has been both interesting and informative. Its heart warming to realise that the 'cycle family' is a global one, where similar views and aspirations are shared. I would love the opportunity to contribute articles to your blog, and think the concept is both generous and enlightening.Being a bit of a techniphobe can you advise me on the best way of doing this. :ie e mail link etc

I just stumbled on this blog, it's great. I am a 42 year old SAHM to a 17 month old son. I decided to quit my job to raise my son. What a wonderful decision I made. Now, my next big change is getting us out of the car. I hate it. I just put a deposit on an Azor-Oma today and look forward to having it in the next few weeks. I can't wait. Looking forward to seeing where bicycling takes us. I feel like a kid again. I look forward to watching and reading your blog.best, melissa

I just found your blog and have been thoroughly enjoying it. We are trying to promote the fun part of riding here in Boulder, Co, as well. Boulder is a big biking town but more spandex than Dutch bikes.

Please keep an eye out for my stolen bike it was stolen at 9:00 am on Valencia St between Clinton Park and 14 th in San Francisco.Its a Schwinn Voyager all chrome with vintage campy group and brooks dk brown professional with copper rivets. Posted an ad on craigslist if anyone goes to a flea market please please let me know it is my transportation to work and I built it every component.Thank youburmesetwo@gmail.com

I love this blog! I just moved to Amsterdam (originally from California) where the Dutch biking culture is HUGE. I'm intimidated by the number of bikes here (way more than people) but am learning to adapt to this wonderful mode of transportation. I wish there were more of it at home. Thanks for spreading the word!

You can see my awkward/funny experiences as a California girl trying to adjust to the Dutch way of life on my blog! www.GlocalGirl.com

Hi! I love your blog. It's really motivational for me to keep learning. Having never ridden a bike I became discouraged last summer when (at 23 years old) I kept falling off and freaking out about traffic. Although I still freak out sometimes, this blog just keeps me riding. Thanks!

Yasmin- Glad to know we can help! If you are still feeling intimidated, find a group to ride with a few times through the places you are most frightened of. Being with a group, even just two other riders, can really boost your confidence and help you get past the fear! Thanks for reading us!